notes to families who succumb to suicide in iraqandafghanistan. theofficial note from the president reads this decision was made after a difficult and exhaustive review of the former policy, and i did not make it lightly. this issue is emotional, painful, and complicated, but these americans served bravely. they didn't die because they were weak, and the fact they didn't get the help they needed must change. since the beginning of the wars in iraq and afghanistan, more than 1800 members of the military have committed suicide during active duty. even more staggering, more active duty troops have died in the last two years from suicide than in combat. now the president will be writing letters to the families of the service members. here's hoping he has to write very, very few. greg keesling told us his wife cried for the first time in two years. we're going to heal,e said. we're going to heal. that's tonight's last word. rachel maddow show is up next. good evening.